Top Reasons to Go to the Northern Aegean Islands

Historic stars of Samos: Math genius Pythagoras, freedom-loving Epicurus, and the fabled Aesop were just a few of this island's brightest stars.

Mesmerizing mastic villages: Pirgi in Chios is known for the resin it produces, but with its Genoese houses patterned in black and white, it's the Escher-like landscape that's likely to draw you in.

Sappho's island: If it's poetic truth you seek, head to Skala Eresou, a popular and appealing seaside village on Lesvos and onetime home to the ancient lyric poet, who wrote much of her verse in praise of female beauty.

Sailing to Byzantium: Colorful Byzantine mosaics make Chios's 11th-century Nea Moni monastery an important piece of history—and a marvel to behold.

Dizzyingly good ouzo: Though you can get this potent potable anywhere in Greece, Lesvos's is reputedly the best—enjoy it with famed salt-baked Kalloni sardines.